Big Bash League organisers aren't sure if Sunday night's final between the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder at the MCG will attract a record crowd but they'll be ready if it does.
Given the Melbourne franchise had only won the right late on Friday night to host the final, organisers can't say with any certainty whether the BBL record of 80,883 set at the MCG when the Stars hosted the Melbourne Renegades in early January is in danger.
While officials were delighted with that turnout, many fans were left disappointed by long queues to get into the ground and hospitality outlets that struggled with the unexpected demand.
BBL boss Anthony Everard promised that won't be the case this time around.
"To get (80,883) was certainly beyond everyone's expectations and stretched the resources in place," Everard said on Saturday.
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"We recognise that that was a unique night, though. We loaded everything in on that with it being the first week of January when everyone was on holidays; it was a Melbourne derby with a slightly earlier start.
"The MCC (Melbourne Cricket Club) have taken on board quite a bit of feedback from that night and some adjustments have been made to make sure that if we do get a big walk-up crowd, that they can deal with that in a reasonably efficient way.
"But we really encourage everyone to pre-purchase their tickets and get there nice and early.
"We certainly don't envisage any significant crowd issues, though."
Just over 30,000 fans watched the Stars defeat the Perth Scorchers on Friday but wet weather in Melbourne played a significant role in that number.
The Australian Open at nearby Melbourne Park is also a factor, with the MCG car park open for tennis patrons as well as cricket-goers.
"Any other city than Melbourne and you might have some concerns," Everard replied when asked about the close proximity of the two events.
"This city is so well geared to dealing with multiple events and big crowds.
"I think it adds to the occasion. There's a great buzz around Melbourne when the tennis is in town.
"This precinct is certainly going to be very busy on Sunday."
In yet another sign of the BBL's growing popularity, organisers are expecting the one millionth fan nationally for this tournament to pass through the turnstiles on Sunday.
